While Grier spurned the BCS money, he has profited, USD rewriting his original deal. According to federal tax filings, in 2010, the last year figures are available, Grier was paid $612,804, making him the university’s highest-paid employee.

5 – Consecutive non-winning seasons for Grier since ’07-08, including a 6-24 record in 2010-11. Barring monumental upsets of Saint Mary’s and No. 1-ranked Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament, Grier and the Toreros are bound for their fourth straight losing season.

1 – Game-fixing scandal. Brandon Johnson, USD’s all-time leading scorer, was sentenced to six months in prison on Friday for his role in a game-fixing scheme during the 2009-10 season.

Johnson and nine other defendants were indicted in April 2010, just weeks after USD completed it 6-24 season

“The whole B.J. thing,” said Grier, “it’s a lot for this group to have gone through. I think we’ve made progress.

“First and foremost the (players) in this program, you talk to anybody who’s been around this group, boosters, people in the community, they’re very impressed with this team’s character. One through 15, they represent the university in the right way.

“And we’ve made progress on the floor.”

Since that 6-24 disaster and the indictments the Toreros have gone 13-18 and currently, 14-17.

“He’s a man’s man,” said San Diego State coach Steve Fisher. “He cares about people, and he’s an exceptional basketball coach.

“When you have issues to deal with … you can use that as an excuse, as reasons why something didn’t happen. And he’s never, ever done that.”

Added Fisher: “Sometimes records don’t reflect how good a job you do with a group of kids. I think he’s done a wonderful job in the face of everything he’s had to deal with. He’s someone you’d want mentoring your own.”

Boise State head coach Leon Rice, who coached with Grier at Gonzaga, was lavish in his praise for Grier.

Said Rice: “He’s about character. He’s about doing the right things. He had to deal with something that I don’t think any coach could fathom dealing with, in the Brandon Johnson stuff.

“It’s just amazing how he handled it and how he got that program through it.”

No one questions Grier’s character. What USD fans on twitter and ToreroNation.com question is this: In a conference with regular postseason participants Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s and BYU, can Grier win?

Some 347 universities play Division I basketball. In the previous five seasons, 48 D-I schools suffered five consecutive non-winning seasons.

Of those 48 schools, only seven retained their head coach. And some had extenuating circumstances. Sacramento State (currently 13-13) hasn’t had a winning season 1988-89. New Hampshire’s last winning season: 1994-95.

Presbyterian and Houston Baptist didn’t jump to D-1 until 2007.

“I realize that,” said Grier. “I realize we’re making progress, and yet I realize it’s not what everyone would like it to be, myself included.”

“Are we where we want to be?” said Snyder. “No. But as I said, I like where we’re trending.”

The Toreros dealt with some challenges this season. Senior Chris Manresa, USD’s best power forward and leading rebounder, scored 14 points in a season-opening win, then missed the next four games with a back injury.

The Toreros went 2-5 in his absence.

In games decided by three points or fewer, USD was 1-5. One of those losses: 65-63 to Gonzaga, a Ken Rancifer 3 blocked with 2.4 seconds to play.

“We win those five games,” said Grier, “we’re not even talking about this.”

Grier, his staff and returning players are confident good things await the program. The sophomore backcourt tandem of Christopher Anderson and Johnny Dee return. So does promising post Jito Kok.

Redshirt wing Duda Sanadze from the Republic of Georgia looks like a scorer. Brett Bailey, a 6-6 high school senior from Spokane, Wash., passed on Gonzaga and signed with the Toreros.

He scored 47 points in a game this season, setting a Greater Spokane League record. Former Zag Adam Morrison once played in the league.

“I’ll put it this way,” said Grier. “I think we’ll be good next year, whether I’m here or not.”